The Top Down Center Out: From Pattern to Pants

This week on Fit Tip Tuesday, I’m sharing some of my process working with the Top Down Center Out Pants Fitting Method. First, some considerations when you’re selecting a pants pattern to work with and picking the best starting size. Then I’m going to show you my “upgraded“ non-stretch waistband and some tips for using velcro (AKA Sticky Safety Pins) to help keep your waistline manageable. See my marked up one-leg toile and the pattern adjustments I made to the original pattern. Bonus, I’ll show you how to add ease to the front pocket opening so you can put stuff in them when you’re wearing your pants! 00:00 Intro 00:53 Choosing a pants pattern to learn The Top Down Center Out Method 03:06 Consider built-in ease when picking a starting size to work with 05:48 Upgrades to my non-stretch waistband to make it more stable 07:32 Tips for using velcro on the waistband to help manage fabric 10:49 Use Wonder Clips to close the side seam to make it easy to adjust 12:23 Fitting Adjustments marked on my one leg toile 14:21 See my adjusted pattern compared to the original pattern 16:48 Did I Scoop the Crotch while fitting Top Down Center Out? 19:04 The Hem is your horizontal balance line 19:58 See how to adjust the pocket pieces to agree with adjusted front leg 20:57 How to add ease to the front pocket opening 24:17 Take a look at my completed Peppermint Wide Leg Pants 27:24 Take a look at me walking around in my Peppermint Wide Leg Pants 28:32 Outro If you would like to stay in touch, sign up below for my monthly newsletter. As a special gift for joining, you will receive a free PDF pack of mini pattern pieces so you can practice along with me on my weekly Youtube series, Fit Tip Tuesday! Subscribe to Threads Magazine: Peppermint Magazine Wide Leg Pants Pattern: For more info on TDCO check Threads issue 218 Practical Pants Fitting by Ruth Collins Amazon Affiliate Links: Over the door hanging full length mirror: The Pattern Cutting Made Easy Book by Gillian Holman: Dritz Clear Grid Ruler: Alpha Numeric Paper: Fairgate L-Shaped Ruler: Playlist for this Pants Fitting Series: Links to Everything J Stern Designs (Email, Zoom Classes & More!) Questions? jsterndesigns37@ Join my new FB Group: J Stern Designs Fit Sew Embroider Love my cutting mat? Get yours here: